Chili: December 3, 2025. Laurinda was predeceased by her husband, Frank Insalaco; daughter Olivia Insalaco; & father, Carl Knapp. She is survived by her son, Frank (Morgan Ballard) Insalaco; mother, Noreen Knapp; grandchildren, Mia & Tucker; brother, Jeff (Julie) Knapp; mother-in-law, Diane Insalaco; sister-in-law, Andrea (Jeff) Chapman; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, & dear friends.

Laurinda’s funeral service will be celebrated, Saturday, December 6, 2025, 2PM at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 3000 Dewey Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Rochester Presbyterian Home, 256 Thurston Rd., Rochester, NY 14619 in her memory.

Life Story of Laurinda (Knapp) Insalaco

Laurinda Insalaco was born on November 19, 1966, in Rochester, New York, to Noreen “Ga” Knapp and Carl “Pop” Knapp. From the beginning, Laurinda embodied the best qualities of both her parents: her mother’s warmth, nurturing spirit, and devotion to family and community; and her father’s steadfastness, intellect, creativity, and principled character. Raised in Greece, NY, in a home filled with love, faith, and structure, Laurinda grew into a woman of rare grace—well-educated, articulate, disciplined, and endlessly caring.

Laurinda grew up with her older brother, Jeffrey, her first lifelong friend and companion, who shared with her a love of sports, school spirit, and community. Their childhood home on Holmes Road shaped much of Laurinda’s life, not only as the place she grew up, but later as the place directly across from the school where she would spend most of her teaching career.

From an early age, Laurinda demonstrated exceptional intelligence, creativity, and organization. She attended Holmes Road Elementary, Greece Olympia High School (Class of 1984, graduating with high honors), and Nazareth University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in art (Class of 1988) followed by a master’s degree in English Language Arts. She excelled in her studies, participated in clubs and organizations, and was well known for both her artistic gifts and her academic dedication.

Her love for the arts—painting, calligraphy, pottery, and scrapbooking—was lifelong and deeply personal. These talents reflected the influence of her father, “Pop” Carl, a proud Korean War veteran, engineer, and talented artist who shaped Laurinda’s values, her creative spirit, and her understanding of what strength and integrity truly look like. Her mother “Ga,” active in the church, community, and school district, modeled kindness, tradition, and the beauty of homemaking, qualities Laurinda passed along to her own children.

A Love Story Rooted in Childhood
Laurinda’s greatest love story began in childhood, when a young boy named Frank Insalaco moved from the city to Greece and took a seat beside her in third grade. Laurinda later said she knew even then, in that very classroom, that she would marry him someday. Their youthful connection grew into a lasting romance, continuing on and off through her college years until they married in 1992 at Bethany Presbyterian Church—Laurinda’s lifelong spiritual home, where she had been baptized and later lovingly served as a youth group leader.

Their marriage of 32 years was defined by devotion, mutual support, and unwavering commitment. Laurinda was the heartbeat of their home—organized, nurturing, detail-oriented, and deeply loving. She handled every calendar, every bill, every appointment, and every responsibility with precision, all while giving her family her full and present love.

A Special Bond With Her Grandmother-in-Law
Among the treasured relationships in her life, Laurinda held a uniquely special bond with her Grandmother-in-Law, Mary Insalaco. Mary welcomed Laurinda wholeheartedly into a large, traditional Italian family—one filled with loud gatherings, rich traditions, and cultural differences from Laurinda’s own reserved and proper upbringing. Their connection was warm, genuine, and deeply rooted in mutual respect and affection.

The two shared a remarkable coincidence that became a beloved symbol of their bond: they were both born on November 19th. That shared birthday became a treasured link between them and served as a constant reminder of the extraordinary connection they cultivated—one built on acceptance, love, and family.

Motherhood: Her Greatest Calling
Laurinda’s proudest role was being a mother to her two children, Frank S. Insalaco and Olivia L. Insalaco, who preceded her in death. Everything she did—every plan, every schedule, every decision—was centered around their happiness, growth, and security. She never hesitated to put herself second. Summers off from teaching became seasons of adventure: trips to Letchworth, Niagara Falls, Howe Caverns, the Strong Museum, Seabreeze, and, most importantly, the family cottage in Dexter, NY on Chaumont Bay. The cottage, where she spent her own childhood summers, became a second home and a sanctuary for her children.

Laurinda served as a Girl Scout troop leader for Olivia and was an active PTA member in the Gates school district, always present, always involved, always advocating for her kids.

A Distinguished Career in Education
A teacher at heart long before she stepped into a classroom, Laurinda devoted her professional life to shaping young minds. She began as an art teacher in the Greece Central School District before transitioning to English Language Arts as a reading specialist, later becoming the head of the district’s reading and comprehension department. Her work was driven by a sincere desire to help students succeed—especially those who struggled most. Her compassion, structure, and creativity transformed countless lives.

Laurinda consistently held herself to the highest standards. Her colleagues respected her, her students adored her, and her influence extended far beyond the classroom walls.

Friendships, Faith, and Four-Legged Family
Throughout her life, Laurinda cherished the friendships that shaped her: her close childhood friend Linda Kanellis, with whom she shared Girl Scout experiences and lifelong travel memories; and her friend Chris Brower (Greeley), whose connection with Laurinda endured from high school through adulthood.

Faith was central to Laurinda’s life. She lived out her Christian values—kindness, compassion, stewardship—every day.

Animals played a special role in her heart. She always had pets, but none dearer than Annie, the beagle who filled her children’s childhood with joy, and Hawkeye, her one-eyed dog whom she cared for with unmatched tenderness. Hawkeye continues to bring happiness to Laurinda’s grandchildren, Mia and Tucker, in the loving home of her son Frankie and daughter-in-law Morgan.

Strength Beyond Measure
Laurinda’s life was marked by resilience. She faced—and overcame—childhood cancer, kidney disease, spinal scoliosis, and breast cancer in her forties. In her early fifties, she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, which later progressed into dementia. Yet she faced each challenge with courage, grace, and determination, never compromising the life she envisioned for her family.

An Extraordinary Legacy
Laurinda passed away on December 3, 2025, shortly after her 59th birthday. She leaves behind a legacy of profound love, creativity, faith, and unwavering devotion.
She will be remembered as:
•a woman of elegance, intelligence, and principle
•a devoted wife of 32 years
•a loving, selfless, and dedicated mother
•a gifted artist and meticulous organizer
•a respected and impactful educator
•a faithful Christian who lived her values
•a daughter, sister, friend, and granddaughter-in-law cherished by all who knew her

Laurinda’s life was defined by the love she gave, the lives she shaped, the beauty she created, and the faith she lived by. Her light continues through her family, her students, her artwork, and the countless memories she so lovingly preserved.